Defensive lineman Lemuel Jeanpierre signed with South Carolina in 2005 over offers from Louisville and Georgia Tech as part of Steve Spurrier's first recruiting class as USC head coach. He redshirted last season and has impressed the coaches with his work ethic on and off the field.

Gamecock Central recently spoke with Jeanpierre to get his thoughts about the upcoming season.

Gamecock Central: How are things going in your second year in the program?

Jeanpierre: My second year has been going real well. The first year I was redshirted. I had no problem with that. The coach knows best. The second year, camp has been going real well. We're working real hard. Our expectations for the defense are to get better, move fast and make plays.

GC: It seems Coach Lawing gets after you guys pretty good in practice. What's your opinion of that?

LJ: Yeah, he does. That's the best thing. I always want my coaches to work me real hard so I can get better. That's the only reason he'll yell. He's going to do what he has to do to make us a better D-line. I think you have to do that if you want to become the best defensive player you can be.

GC: Coach Lawing told us a few days ago about all the off-season work you've put in. It sounds like you really dedicated yourself to playing this season.

LJ: I really want to play this season. I was raised by my parents to give 100 percent at whatever I do. I haven't missed anything yet - meals, meetings or workouts. I do that because Coach asked. When Coach asks me to do something, I'll do it. They're paying for my education. The least thing I can do is give my all and do what they ask me to do.

GC: You grew up in Florida. What was the attraction besides playing for Coach Spurrier for you to come to South Carolina?

LJ: Coach Spurrier had something to do with it. But when I talked with Coach Nix on my visit, when he was talking with me and my Father, he was honest and straight-up with me from the get go. Coach Spurrier is a great coach. I want to win a SEC Championship. Playing in the SEC was something I really wanted to do.

GC: Where are you on the depth chart right now?

LJ: Right now I'm second team behind Marque Hall.

GC: Has Coach Lawing told you he expects you to see some action and contribute this season

LJ: All the coaches have told me that. They've told me to be ready to play. That's why I continue to practice hard and try to do my assignments right. Coach Lawing told me that I will probably be in the rotation because I got big like he asked. But I'm going to keep working hard.

GC: What's your favorite drill

LJ: I like it when we have the speed contact drill. We sprint about 10 yards and hit the bag. It's like a running back who is standing still. I have to run 10 yards and hit him as hard as I can.